DIMAPUR — State technical officer of PATH, Shanpanthung Ezung, has clarified that fortified rice is not plastic rice but normal rice in combination with micro nutrient contents which included Iron, Folic Acid and Vitamin B12.
Ezung made this clarification during an awareness programme organised by the department of Food and Civil Supplies held at IMC Hall in Dimapur on August 29.
He stated that the programme was initiated by the Government of India to combat prevalence of anemia in the state as well as the nation at large.
Ezung further informed that there are six items in food fortification including salt, milk, atta, oil, rice and fruit juice. He stated that fortification on fruit juices was recently launched in the country.
The awareness programme was aimed at promoting and understanding of fortified rice under public distribution system (PDS) for FPS dealers, village council chairmen, ward chairmen, GBs, CSOs and other stakeholders.
An update from Food and Civil Supplies department stated that stakeholders from Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima attended the programme. The awareness programme on fortified rice was organised in collaboration with its technical partner PATH.
The programme was chaired by S Kavito Aomi, assistant director of Food and Civil Supplies, Dimapur, who also welcomed all the participants. Short speeches were also delivered by I Anungba Sanglir and Dr. Kapenlo Thong, joint director and deputy director of Food and Civil Supplies department respectively.
In a related programme, the department of Food and Civil Supplies organised a one-day awareness programme on fortified rice in Peren town on August 30.
Speaking at the programme, Shanpantung Ezung has explained the challenges of anaemia and malnutrition in India. He has stressed on the significance of fortified rice by highlighting its micro nutrient content including Iron, Folic Acid and Vitamin B12.
A DIPR report stated that common misconception and doubts surrounding fortified rice being mistaken for plastic rice were clarified. It was informed that fortified rice is safe and suitable for human consumptions. The resource person also explained on how to identify fortified rice and its quality.
Around 200 participants including fair price shops dealers, village council leaders, GB, civil society and beneficiaries attended the programme.
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